Children’s Mental Health
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Mental health has been a big topic in the news In recent years, bringing light to the struggles many people face on a day to day basis. Poor mental health is something that can affect all ages, including children, but can be combated with resources and implemented support structures.
With this realization, schools have become a focused resource center as “giving children access to mental-health resources early in their education…can play a key role in mitigating negative consequences later in life,” according to David Anderson, senior director of the ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center. Ignoring mental health complications can lead to much more serious consequences later on in life, such as children dropping out of school. Unfortunately, very few children has access to these resources in school.
According to the 2016 Children’s Mental Health Report, only 23% of pre-kindergarten classrooms have visits from from psychiatrists or psychologists. The responsibility of guiding children through this difficult time is often placed on teacher, likely due to an ongoing shortage of mental health professionals which is only expected to grow.
One way to improve emotional conditions of all students, not just those diagnosed, is by integrating mental health education into an already existing curriculum. Not only will this provide knowledge and education, it will also help decrease social stigmas against diseases such as depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. The evidence is clear; children who are given access to mental health services at a younger age thrive later on in life and are almost half as likely to be expelled.
While such resources can become expensive for both school and families, there are many free ways to educate yourself and others about mental health such as the American Psychological Association, Center for Disease Control, Mental Health America, as well as your local health care provider. The first step is to get the conversation started and be the force that drives change in the lives of your loved ones.
More Helpful Links:
Kids’ Mental Health Information Portal
Child Mental Health: Medline Plus
Children’s Mental Health Network
National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Amanda De Moraes
Boston Tutoring Services